20 Most Feminine Dog Breeds for Women and Men

When you think of a feminine dog, you may have the image in your mind of a prissy little pooch riding around in a purse all day. The most feminine dog breeds aren’t all small and prim. Some of the dogs that make the cut are loud pups with lots of energy.

While that may not sound very feminine to you, there are women out there looking for just such a pet. There are men who may be interested in a feminine companion as well. Not every dog owner is interested in a giant, muscle-bound watchdog. Some are looking for a companion on the softer side that won’t intimidate everyone at the dog park.

Whether you are a woman looking for a dog that matches you perfectly, or a man that wants a feminine, furry side-kick, here are my picks for the most feminine dog breeds. Some of the picks may surprise you, so make sure you read all the way to the end.

Most Feminine Dog Breeds

1. Alaskan Malamute

Pictured above, this “talking dog” is sure to be great company. Just like your best friend, this canine is up for a chat with you anywhere, anytime. Make sure that you keep this dog a cold-weather friend. While they may be one of the most feminine dog breeds, they do not do well in heat.

Pros

Pooches in this breed are strong. They can pull sleds, pack supplies, and cart freight. Alaskan Malamutes love to roam and climb. They are happiest with a busy, outdoors family that will have time to teach and train it to be useful.

Cons

This breed usually does not like other animals. Malamutes are reserved with strangers and will need socialization training from a young age to keep from becoming fearful and aggressive. These pups do love to dig, so be prepared!

2. Xoloitzcuintli

Xolo (Sho-Lo) for short, this breed matches the societal norm of feminine hairlessness. No need to spend time shaving it like you do you; the “Mexican Hairless” is naturally without hair.

Pros

No drooling and no hair makes for an easy to maintain pet. This breed comes in three sizes so you can get the one that best fits your living situation. Since there is no shedding, this dog is considered hypo-allergenic.

Cons

A little high-strung, these pups do not do well around children and other animals. These dogs need socialization training to prevent becoming aggressive. Often missing teeth, these dogs usually have a gap-toothed smile.

3. Whippet

Nicknamed “the poor man’s Greyhound”, this racing breed is one of the most feminine dog breeds. Friendly and calm, the Whippet is ready for those relaxing nights spent in with the girls. Easy to groom, these pups wake up looking beautiful. They’re an ideal dog for any owner.

Pros

A racing dog, this breed had to be friendly and tolerant, and they are. Great with kids, other pets, and strangers, this fur-baby is the perfect addition to any home. This is a “silent” breed, and they rarely bark.

Cons

Make sure you have a tall, sturdy fence to keep this wandering dog in. While they do great in hot weather, they are not made for cold extremes. Whippets are sensitive and need people, they don’t do well alone.

4. Havanese

This hunk of arm candy is adorable. Bred to be a lap dog, this furry family member wants nothing more than to be by you, adoring you. This dog doesn’t do well alone and needs to always be with you. This is one of the most feminine dog breeds, and it may be time to invest in a purse/dog carrier if you’re going to adopt one.

Pros

These little dogs do not fit the “little dog” profile. They are friendly to everyone they meet, and they don’t participate in nuisance barking. Intelligent and easy to train, this pup is great for first time dog owners.

Cons

Also known as the “Spanish Silk Poodle”, their beautiful coats need regular brushing to stay smooth and mat free. They love chasing furry animals and birds so make sure your pet is always in a fence and on a leash.

5. Doberman Pinscher

You probably didn’t expect to see these guys on a list of feminine dog breeds! These dogs grow to a large size, but are still incredibly graceful. Like a woman making her grand entrance to the ball, these canines always turn heads. Like all traditional “guard” dogs, make sure you get your pet from a reputable breeder that doesn’t in-breed for aggressive qualities.

Pros

This brave, loyal dog is very affectionate with his family. He makes a great watch dog. These intelligent, sensitive canines are easy to train. They will need socialization and “pack leader” training, but they will pick it up quickly.

Cons

Energetic and playful, these dogs need to be exercised regularly to keep from being aggressive or destructive. While this pooch is friendly with kids it is raised with, it is not generally a “kid-friendly” breed.

6. Siberian Husky

Some may not agree with me, but I have always found this breed distinctly feminine. The ice blue eyes, soft coat with pristine white, and regal stance has always made me view them as Queenly.

Pros

A friendly, affectionate breed, the Husky does well with kids, pets, and strangers unless not socialized properly. The Siberian Husky is independent and mischievous. A healthy breed, don’t worry about excessive vet visits.

Cons

Dogs in this breed are escape artists. They need a strong, secure enclosure. These furry family members are double coated and prefer a mild to cold climate. Popularity has led to unsafe breeding practices.

7. Yorkshire Terrier

These bossy dogs remind me of a well-aged, refined woman. With beautiful silver tones and a sassy spirit, the “Yorkie” is not afraid to speak its mind. The Yorkshire Terrier is strong-willed, and dare I say arrogant; it needs a strong trainer.

Pros

Although they have a “yapper” reputation, this breed doesn’t bark any more than the average dog. This compact dog is great for apartments and small yards.

Cons

These canines don’t usually get along with kids or other dogs. If you have kids, they need to learn the respectful way to approach and treat a dog. Yorkshire Terriers are difficult to housetrain, and you may want to use pee-pads.

8. Golden Retriever

One of the most popular breeds in the United States, Golden Retrievers have an irresistible personality. More devoted than your best friend, this breed wants nothing more than to please its human.

Pros

I could go on and on with this pup’s attributes. They are loving, good with kids and other pets, intelligent, and easy to train. You will often see them as guide and service dogs as they just love making people happy.

Cons

Golden Retrievers are still hunting dogs and they need room to roam or regular exercise (a few times a day). Make sure you have a sturdy fence as this dog loves to go exploring.

9. Chihuahua

This is a breed that knows its own mind. They don’t have to chase after the newest fad or trend. Like a self-assured woman, the Chihuahua is sexy and it knows it. In fact, it will need a strong trainer to show it that it does need to change in some ways.

Pros

These are one of the most feminine dog breeds because they shed very little, and their short hair is easy to keep neat and tidy. Great for apartment life, dogs in this breed don’t need much exercise. Easy to train, with consistent training, this breed is great for first time dog owners.

Cons

These sensitive dogs do not do well with temperature changes. They need to live primarily indoors. Most dogs from this breed are nervous and clingy. If left alone, they can become destructive and aggressive.

10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

You can’t get much more feminine than this. The Cavalier actually starred in the ultimate chick flick, Sex and the City. This is one of the most feminine dog breeds, as they always have a wagging tail and inquisitive expression to brighten your day.

Pros

These little pups have average energy levels and are great for apartments. Affectionate with everyone and everything they meet, dogs in this breed are social and outgoing.

Cons

Sensitive and loving, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does not like to be alone. They can become nuisance barkers and be destructive if not with their humans. Their sensitive nature means you must gently correct them or the will become timid and fearful.

11. Shetland Sheepdog

Also known as the Sheltie, the popularity of these dogs have made them instantly recognizable. Their long, lovely mane is like beautiful long hair; it needs to be brushed and shampooed regularly to keep from becoming tangled and matted.

Pros

These dogs are some of the smartest out there. They do great for trick and obedience competitions. These healthy pups love to be outside and play which makes them great for the outdoor family.

Cons

The main drawback of the Shetland Sheepdog is their tendency to bark. While this makes them great for sounding an alarm, they will need training to stop excessive barking. They also shed quite a bit.

12. American Eskimo Dog

The Eskie is a small dog in the Spitz family. While at one time they were a working breed, they have been a companion breed for decades now and have more lap-dog characteristics than working class traits. Formerly known as the “American Spitz”, this breed has evolved much like the modern woman.

Pros

While fluffy, these pooches do well in hot and cold weather as long as it isn’t in the heat extremes. Intelligent, loving, and healthy, these little dynamites have it all. Only growing to around 15 pounds, the “Eskie” is great for apartments.

Cons

Their white coats do shed a lot and need frequent grooming. It may be best to clip them short. The American Eskimo Dog has lots of energy and needs chews, toys, and daily walks to burn it all off.

13. Pomeranian

Like the alpha female, this little dog thinks it is all that, and it almost is. With bright eyes and a lively step, the Pom is an entertaining breed that usually does better being the only dog in the house.

Pros

Not known for chewing, your shoes, socks, and prize possessions should be safe if you bring home this fur-baby. With low energy levels and their small size, this is a great breed for apartments and small yards.

Cons

While this dog will get very attached to its owner (they don’t like to be alone), they do not like kids and other animals. These little pups shed quite a bit and need regular grooming.

14. Cocker Spaniel

Like a long dress, the coat on this breed is shiny and elegant…sure to turn heads. While they may be high maintenance, they are one of the most feminine dog breeds. Trust me, the benefits of owning this special little canine will make it worthwhile.

Pros

Curious and intelligent, these pups just want to please and are easy to train. While these little dogs make look fragile and prissy, they are a sporting dog and can keep up with the active, busy family.

Cons

While this dog is supposed to be gentle and loving, popularity has led to unsafe breeding practices that have led to aggression and suspiciousness in many of these pups. Make sure you get your new four-legged family member from a reputable breeder.

15. Papillon

Like a butterfly or a fairy, the Papillon (French for “butterfly) has a look that is distinctly feminine. Delicate and fine-boned, this graceful lap-dog is ready to drape itself over your lap.

Pros

This toy breed is surprisingly resilient. Unlike other small dogs, it does well in cool and warm temperatures. Easy to maintain, the Papillon eats and sheds very little. They also do pretty good with alone time.

Cons

While usually friendly and affectionate, these fur-babies don’t always like kids. Active and energetic, they need regular exercise and play time. They still retain some prey drive and need a fence and leash.

16. Dalmatian

Although you usually see Dalmatians doing traditional male work such as firefighting, this isn’t the old days and women can also excel at anything they put their mind to. Like a strong, female athlete, the Dalmatian is willing and able to go the extra mile.

Pros

These furry family members are hardworking and easy to train. They are great for service dogs, which is why you often see them in fire and police stations. Energetic and enduring, they are great for active, sporty people.

Cons

While friendly and affectionate with their owners, these pups usually do not like kids, strangers, or other dogs. They need to be well trained and socialized to keep from being aggressive.

17. Airedale Terrier

Often referred to as the “King of Terriers”, the Airedale is more of a queen in its social needs. Like many great women, this pooch is happiest when it is around people – being petted, performing jobs, and playing. Now, you can see why the Airedale Terrier made it onto the list of feminine dog breeds.

Pros

Shedding very little, these dogs have a short, wavy coat that is attractive and easy to maintain. Rugged and tough, they can thrive in all sorts of climates and conditions. They are independent and do well with alone time.

Cons

These pups need lots of exercise and room to roam. They love to follow their nose and dig, so they need a sturdy fence and a place to just be a dog. Barking and chewing are other loves, so they require chew toys and training.

18. Poodle

These dogs are often found on lists of the most feminine dog breeds. Like many women, people see Poodles as all beauty and no brains. They even think they are downright funny looking. First, this is maybe the smartest, most intuitive breed there is. Second, their traditional hair style was to make them hardy, efficient water hunting dogs.

Pros

These adaptive dogs can live in all sorts of situations and with all sorts of people. While energetic and sporty, they also know when to be calm and quiet. Easy to train, you won’t have to put a lot of effort into this canine to mold it to your lifestyle and habits.

Cons

Their long hair will need to be kept clipped short or regularly maintained. Prone to weight gain, you need to watch calories and exercise your four-legged family member often to prevent health problems.

19. Japanese Spitz

I don’t know what it is about all white dogs that seem very womanly to me. This is another beautiful, pure white breed. With soulful black eyes, this pooch is a head-turner. It is a great dog to have if you want to meet people.

Pros

Quick to learn, this is a great dog if you want to be able to play games and do tricks with your pet. The Japanese Spitz makes a great pooch for active outdoors families.

Cons

Needing consistent training starting early or this breed will try to be the boss. These pups do shed and need frequent brushing and bathing to keep it looking bright and shiny. They can become aggressive if not socialized.

20. Great Dane

I have always seen this giant breed on “manly” lists, but I don’t agree. These canines get the size of a small horse, but they are strong, graceful, and beautiful to behold – womanly traits in my opinion.

Pros

You’re probably surprised to see them on the list of feminine dog breeds, but the Great Danes are loving and loyal. They get along well in homes that have other pets and kids. While of average intelligence, they are very easy to train. These pooches are very active and playful, great for a large family.

Cons

Almost every con with the Great Dane has to do with size. They can easily knock over kids and everything else. They need an experienced trainer to effectively train them in manners while they are still small enough to handle. This breed grows a large amount over a short time, this makes them susceptible to injuries. Never push these pups past their physical limits.

Amy is a writer who lives with her husband and daughter on the United States Gulf Coast. She has a BA in Behavioral Sciences, and volunteered for shelters through various activities, as well as fostering animals. Amy currently has 3 dogs and 5 cats.

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